Govt urged to prioritise SMM

Midlands Correspondents
Government should prioritise and speed up the revival of Shabanie Mashava Mine since it has potential of creating employment and transforming the country’s economy, Zanu-PF deputy secretary for youth affairs Cde Lewis Mathuthu has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a party meeting in Gweru recently, Cde Mathuthu said Shabanie Mine was one of the anchor projects in the country that could address unemployment among the youths.
He said it was incumbent upon Government to ensure that Shabanie Mine was brought back to life.
“Shabanie Mine is the backbone of Zvishavane town,” he said.

“At its peak, it used to employ more than 5 000 people.
“Government and our policy makers should ensure that such key projects are revived.
“The asbestos mining company does not only have the potential of creating employment, but to contribute significantly towards the revival of the economy.”

Cde Mathuthu said mineral resources should be used properly so that they create employment and contribute towards economic revival.

“There is need to manage our resources properly so that they don’t only benefit communities where they are and its environs, but the entire country,” he said.

“In Zvishavane, we have Sabi Gold Mine, which has the potential of contributing significantly towards national gold output.
“There is Murowa Diamonds, Mimosa Mines and many other big mining companies.

“Other mineral resources that we have in Zvishavane are chrome deposits. If we properly manage them, Zvishavane could be the fastest growing town in the country.

“We need legislators and authorities that are responsible and not only think of enriching themselves, but to develop the nation.”

Cde Mathuthu said employment creation should be Government’s key priority area and legislators should ensure that this was achieved by making policies that were good for investment and business.

“Our President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated that there is need for us to create more jobs, especially for the youths,” he said.

“It is not his responsibility alone, but every other Zimbabwean and foreign-owned companies operating in the country to assist and contribute towards achieving that objective.”